Part 2 : the impact of WW1 on Germany Flashcards
How did Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Weltpolitik contribute to the First World War?
- The policy aimed to expand Germany’s empire and military influence.
- It led to rivalries with Britain and France, making war more likely.
- The naval arms race with Britain heightened tensions.
- Germany’s alliances and aggressive foreign policy created fear among European nations.
What alliances were in place before WWI?
- Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia (against Germany).
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.
How did Germans initially react to the outbreak of war in 1914?
- Many believed the war would be quick and victorious.
- There was widespread patriotism, with large crowds cheering the Kaiser.
- Some military leaders thought Germany could win in 40 days.
How did Britain’s naval blockade affect Germany?
- From 1914 onwards, Britain prevented supplies from reaching Germany.
- By 1918, thousands of Germans had died from starvation.
- Food shortages and rationing led to malnutrition and protests.
How did WWI damage Germany’s economy?
- Massive war debt: Germany had already been in debt before 1914.
- Labour shortages due to soldiers fighting on two fronts.
- Collapse of industrial output: By October 1918, steel production had fallen by 80%.
How did casualties affect German morale?
- 600,000 Germans had died by 1915.
- By 1918, over 2 million German soldiers were dead.
- Anti-war protests grew, with 10,000+ people demonstrating by 1916.
What was the failure of the Spring Offensive (1918)?
- Germany’s final attempt to win the war.
- Initially made territorial gains, but lacked resources to sustain them.
- Allied counterattacks pushed Germany back.
How did internal problems contribute to Germany’s defeat?
- The economy was on the brink of collapse.
- Food shortages and inflation worsened public unrest.
- Widespread desertions in the army.
What happened in the Kiel Mutiny?
- On 3rd November 1918, German sailors refused to fight the British navy.
- By 4th November, 40,000 soldiers and workers joined the rebellion.
- The mutiny spread across Germany, leading to the November Revolution.
When did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate?
- 9th November 1918.
- He fled to the Netherlands on 10th November and lived there until his death in 1941.
What were the military restrictions imposed on Germany?
- Army reduced to 100,000 men (Article 160).
- No air force (Article 198).
- Navy limited to 6 battleships (Article 181).
How did the Treaty of Versailles impact Germany’s economy?
- Reparations set at £6.6 billion (Article 232).
- Loss of 15% of coal production due to territorial losses.
- Severe economic hardship, leading to inflation and unemployment.
What was the War Guilt Clause (Article 231)?
- Germany was forced to accept full blame for WWI.
- Created resentment and nationalism, later exploited by Hitler.
What caused hyperinflation in 1923?
- Germany printed excessive amounts of money to pay reparations.
- The occupation of the Ruhr (January 1923) worsened shortages.
How did hyperinflation affect different social groups?
- Workers: Some were paid in goods instead of money.
- Middle class: Lost savings, pensions, and investments.
- Business owners: Those with debts benefited, as loans lost value.
What were the major uprisings against the Weimar Republic?
- Spartacist Uprising (1919): Communist attempt to seize power, crushed by Freikorps.
- Kapp Putsch (1920): Right-wing coup attempt, defeated by general strike.
- Munich Putsch (1923): Hitler’s failed Nazi coup, leading to his arrest.
